Independence of Mexico Explained in Virtual Visits

As part of the celebrations of Bicentennial of Independence and Centennial of Mexican Revolution, during 2010 the halls of museums that lodge historical objects related to both political movements will be available on-line at the official National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) Internet page.

General public will be able to access through their computer more than 15 relevant museums. The first one is San Miguel de Allende Historical Museum, in Guanajuato, which can be visited on line at www.inah.gob.mx/casadeallendevirtual.

“Alhondiga de Granaditas” Guanajuato Regional Museum, as well as those at Tlaxcala, Guadalajara, Queretaro, Michoacan and Guadalupe, Zacatecas, and “Casa de Carranza” Museum in Mexico City, are some of the precincts that will be available for on-line visit.

San Miguel de Allende Historical Museum is lodged in the former residence of this insurgent general, and can also is accessed on-line through www.inah.gob.mx . The precinct located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, was reinaugurated by President Felipe Calderon in April 2009.

The virtual visit allows access to 6 halls that narrate the history of San Miguel de Allende since its foundation in 16th century, as well as the life of General Ignacio Allende and the beginning of Independence of Mexico.

It shows different spaces at the 17th century building, as well as historical settings such as the local store, pharmacy and bedrooms. The virtual visit is supported by 25 information cards, 3 audio files and 2 videos.

Proceso y Muerte de Allende (Process and Death of Allende) Hall outstands: the trial that began in May 10th 1811 and ended in June 26th of the same year, the day of his execution at Real Hospital Militar de la Villa de San Felipe el Real de Chihuahua, is described there.

His baptism certificate, as well as of his marriage to Maria de la Luz Agustina de las Fuentes are exhibited. Both documents are part of the National General Archive (AGN) and San Miguel de Allende parish.

Siglo XVI Hall, (16th century) is also part of the virtual visit. The history of this city, from its origin in 1542 upon the arrival of fray Juan de San Miguel, who founded the Indian town of San Miguel de los Chichimecas, to the 17th century, when the city changed its name to Villa de San Miguel el Grande, is described.

Inicio de la Independencia Hall (Beginning of Independence) explains causes and development of the Insurgent Movement, from September 15th 1810 to March 21st 1811, when main leaders were captured. Weapons such as guns, rifles and spades are exhibited.

Virtual visits to museums related to Mexican Independence and Revolution include the exhibition De novohispanos a mexicanos (From New Spain to Mexico) displayed at “Castillo de Chapultepec” National Museum of History, accounts for, through portraits, different collective identities during the transit from New Spain to independent Mexico.

Other virtual visits created by INAH include National Museum of History “Castillo de Chapultepec”, National Museum of Viceroyalty, as well as archaeological zones of Palenque and Yaxchilan, in Chiapas, Altavista-Chalchihuites, Zacatecas; Malinalco, Estado de Mexico (English version) and Chichen Itza, Yucatan.